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BENGALURU — In the landscape of preventive healthcare, checking your heart, liver, and kidneys has long been standard practice. Now, a Bengaluru-based startup is making the case that your brain should be next on the checklist.
Ivory, a brain health technology firm, has officially launched an AI-powered cognitive assessment it calls a “treadmill test” for the brain. The tool is designed to move cognitive screening out of the specialist’s office and into routine preventive care, aiming to identify early signs of cognitive decline before they manifest as irreversible impairment. As India faces a looming dementia crisis, with an estimated 8.8 million people already living with the condition, the launch marks a significant attempt to modernize how the country monitors mental longevity.
Measuring the “Invisible” Biomarker
Founded by Issac John and Rahul Krishnan, Ivory aims to fill a specific gap: the lack of objective data in brain health. While most patients only seek neurological help after severe memory loss or behavioral changes occur, Ivory’s platform is intended for adults starting in their 40s.
The “treadmill test” uses a battery of neuroscience-based digital assessments to evaluate three core domains:
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Memory: The ability to retain and recall information.
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Attention: Focus and processing speed.
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Executive Function: Complex reasoning and problem-solving.
Using AI, the platform generates a baseline cognitive profile for each user. Critically, these results are benchmarked against age- and gender-specific data, allowing clinicians to distinguish between normal age-related changes and more concerning “red flags.”
“Today, if you do a full-body health checkup, you get detailed reports on cardiovascular markers, but nothing on cognition,” co-founder Issac John told The Economic Times. “That’s the gap we address.”
The Public Health Stakes: A Rising Tide of Dementia
The urgency of Ivory’s mission is backed by sobering statistics. A landmark study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia estimated the prevalence of dementia in India at 7.4% among adults aged 60 and older. With a rapidly aging population, these numbers are projected to rise sharply by 2050.
Early detection is vital because it opens a window for managing modifiable risk factors. According to recent research in The Lancet, up to 40% of dementia cases could potentially be delayed or prevented by addressing factors like hypertension, diabetes, hearing loss, and physical inactivity. By the time a patient reaches a stage of severe loss of independence, many of these intervention opportunities have passed.
Expert Perspectives: A Signal, Not a Diagnosis
While the medical community generally welcomes tools that increase awareness, experts urge a balanced interpretation of screening results.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently maintains an “I Statement” regarding routine cognitive screening in asymptomatic older adults, meaning the evidence is “insufficient” to recommend it universally. The concern is not that the tests are inaccurate, but that screening without a clear follow-up pathway can lead to unnecessary anxiety or “false positives” caused by temporary factors.
“A screening test is a useful signal, but it is not a final answer,” note clinical guidelines from the Mayo Clinic. Performance on cognitive tests can be significantly influenced by:
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Temporary Stress and Sleep Deprivation: Often referred to as “brain fog.”
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Vitamin Deficiencies: Particularly B12, which is common in India.
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Hearing and Vision Loss: Which can make the tests more difficult to complete.
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Education and Language: Standardized tests must be culturally and linguistically adapted to be fair.
Moving Toward Integration
To ensure the “treadmill test” leads to meaningful action, Ivory has partnered with Metropolis Healthcare to bundle the assessment into existing “Mind & Body” preventive health packages. The startup also recently secured $1 million in funding from investors including Draper Associates and the SAGE Venture Fund (managed by IFCI Venture) to expand its clinical validation.
For the average consumer, this technology means brain health is becoming more visible. If a screening tool flags a potential issue, it provides a data point to start a conversation with a doctor. However, clinicians emphasize that a “low score” on a digital test should always be followed by a comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood work and potentially neuroimaging, to rule out reversible causes.
Limitations and the Path Ahead
Despite its promise, Ivory’s AI-driven approach faces hurdles. Independent validation across India’s diverse demographic—spanning various languages and educational levels—will be essential to prove the tool’s reliability. Furthermore, the success of such screenings depends on the “post-test” infrastructure: whether there are enough specialists and counseling services available to support those who receive a concerning result.
As the “age-tech” sector grows, the goal remains clear: transforming brain health from a reactive concern into a proactive, measurable part of healthy aging.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
- https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/brain-health-startup-ivory-develops-treadmill-test-for-brain-focusses-on-cognitive-health-in-india/130276942?utm_source=latest_news&utm_medium=homepage
